Micro Loans Through Kiva and Oikocredit

Kiva

Kiva is a non-profit organization with a mission to connect people through lending to alleviate poverty.

Kiva works with over 130 microfinance institutions on five continents to provide loans to people without access to traditional banking systems. One hundred percent of each loan is sent to these microfinance institutions who administer the loans in the field.

On the Kiva website, individuals can choose a project they wish to support and make a loan for as little as $25.

When a loan is repaid, the lender can take his/her money out of Kiva or loan it again. Lenders are not paid any interest — the interest is paid to the microfinance institution to cover the cost of administering the loan.

It is important to note that borrowers obtain loans through their local microfinance organization — not directly from Kiva. Kiva provides the web presence to get the loan funded from individuals around the world.

Since Kiva was founded in 2005, it has loaned over $966.3 million through over 1.6 million Kiva lenders with a 97.0% repayment rate.

Obtaining a Loan

Kiva does not process loan applications from borrowers. If you or someone you know would like to apply for a loan through Kiva, please contact the Kiva Field Partner (microfinance institution) in your local area. A link for locating Kiva Field Partners is provided below.

We encourage any women who apply for loans through Kiva to notify the UWD so that we may post their names on the “How You Can Help” section of this website.

Oikocredit

Oikocredit is a worldwide financial cooperative that promotes global justice by empowering disadvantaged people with credit. It was founded in 1975 by the World Council of Churches.

Oikocredit provides investment capital to over 800 partners in 63 countries. This capital enables Oikocredit partners to reach poor and low-income communities in emerging economies around the world.

Individuals wishing to support Oikocredit can invest in “Global Community Notes.” The minimum investment is $250. Investors can choose a note term and interest rate when completing the necessary forms (available from the Oikocredit website). The note is repaid with interest at the end of the term.

It is important to note that borrowers obtain loans through the various Oikocredit partners — not directly from Oikocredit.

Obtaining a Loan

Oikocredit does not process loan applications from borrowers. If you or someone you know would like to apply for a loan through Oikocredit, please contact the the regional office for your location: